Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan granted her approval to the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (Absorption of Employees into Government Service) Bill-2023, ending months of discussions on the future of TSRTC. The bill was passed by the Telangana Assembly on August 6. The Governor’s decision brought joy to the families of 43,373 TSRTC employees, who will now become government employees.
In a statement, the Governor expressed satisfaction that the government had diligently addressed her 10 recommendations, which considered employee representations and the corporation’s welfare. She extended her heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all Telangana State Road Transport Corporation employees as they transition into government roles.
Governor Grants Approval for RTC Merger
The absorption of TSRTC into the government had been a long-standing demand, with implications for politics, as Telangana State Road Transport Corporation employees had previously threatened to field a candidate against the ruling party in a by-election. Maramreddy Thomas Reddy, the general secretary of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation Telangana Mazdoor Union, lauded this decision as a historic and courageous move by the Chief Minister, expressing gratitude on behalf of the employees who had actively participated in the statehood agitation and contributed to the state’s progress.
Also read: 1,440 Contract Workers in Telangana Denied Regularization
Telangana Nearing Bankruptcy, Unable to Repay New Loans:
The Union Power Minister, Raj Kumar Singh, stated during a press conference that the Central Government believes the Telangana state government is on the brink of bankruptcy and may struggle to repay new loans. He mentioned that the loan approval for the Yadadri Thermal Power Station project was withheld because of Telangana’s dire financial situation, preventing it from meeting its loan repayment obligations.
Regarding financial regulations like the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) rules, Singh clarified that these matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Union Finance Ministry. Loans cannot be granted if a state exceeds its FRBM limits or if there are concerns about its ability to repay the loans.
Singh also highlighted that over the past decade, significant loan approvals were granted to Telangana by organizations like the Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and Rural Electrification Corporation (REC). However, not all approved amounts were disbursed, indicating caution due to the state’s financial challenges.
Telangana Nearing Bankruptcy, Unable to Repay New Loans
Furthermore, Singh refuted claims by the Telangana state government regarding meter installations for agricultural connections, asserting that the government’s statement was inaccurate. He clarified that the central government’s directive pertained to meters for non-agricultural connections and not agricultural ones, emphasizing that the government’s attempt to shift focus was due to its inability to provide the promised 24-hour power supply to the agricultural sector.
Also read: KTR Appeals for Justice in the Case of Jaahnavi Kandula’s Death in Seattle
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Rejects Cauvery Water Release to Tamil Nadu
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has communicated his inability to comply with the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s (CWMA) directive, which instructed Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for two weeks. Siddaramaiah reportedly sent a letter to Union Minister for Water Resources Gajendra Singh Shekawat, outlining the current situation in Karnataka due to insufficient rainfall this season.
In his letter, the Chief Minister requested the Union Minister to reconsider the CWMA’s decision, taking into account Karnataka’s water needs. He highlighted that the Mettur reservoir in Tamil Nadu currently holds 24.233 tmc feet of water, which is sufficient to meet the state’s water requirements.
Siddaramaiah also informed the Union Minister that Karnataka faces a grim outlook for rainfall until September 24 due to a weak monsoon. The state requires approximately 70 tmc feet of water to safeguard its crops, 33 tmc for drinking water purposes, and an additional 3 tmc feet for industrial use. However, Karnataka’s reservoirs in the Cauvery basin only have 53 tmc feet of water available.
The Chief Minister firmly stated to reporters in Bengaluru that Karnataka would not release water to Tamil Nadu at this juncture, especially when the Cauvery basin districts of Karnataka are grappling with drought conditions. He emphasized that Karnataka had previously adhered to CWMA’s directives and released water to Tamil Nadu. Nevertheless, the weak monsoon this season has resulted in drought conditions in many taluks within the Old Mysuru region, falling under the Cauvery basin.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Rejects Cauvery Water Release to Tamil Nadu
In his letter to the Union Minister, Siddaramaiah also pointed out that Tamil Nadu had utilized 100 tmc feet of water over 92 days from June to September this year. This amount surpasses the water usage by Tamil Nadu during drought-affected years such as 1987-88, 2002-03, 2012-13, 2016-17, and 2017-18, despite Karnataka having lower water storage in its Cauvery basin reservoirs.
Pawan Kalyan Announces Jana Sena and TD Alliance for 2024 Elections:
In a significant political development in Andhra Pradesh, Jana Sena leader Pawan Kalyan has announced his party’s alliance with Telugu Desam and expressed hope that the BJP would consider his proposal for an alliance in the upcoming state elections.
Speaking to the press in Rajahmundry after meeting with TD leader Chandrababu Naidu at the Central Prison on Thursday, he revealed their intentions to devise a joint action plan for strengthening their alliance. He emphasized the importance of consulting with their party leaders and members regarding the Jana Sena-Telugu Desam alliance. Their goal is to garner support from both parties’ leaders and members, encouraging them to work in unison to challenge the ruling YSR Congress party in the state.
Pawan Kalyan expressed his concerns about how TD leader Naidu was embroiled in the AP Skill Development Scam, while the officials responsible for the alleged lapses remained unpunished. He criticized Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for what he perceived as politically motivated actions against Naidu, causing him unnecessary trouble. Pawan Kalyan questioned the validity of implicating Naidu, who played a significant role in developing the IT sector in Hyderabad, in a scam worth Rs 371 crore.
He clarified that his decision to form an alliance with Telugu Desam was solely driven by the desire for the state’s development. Pawan Kalyan cautioned government officials working under Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to be wary, as they too could face similar cases as Naidu in the future.
Pawan Kalyan Announces Jana Sena and TD Alliance for 2024 Elections
He further stated that he decided against splitting the anti-Jagan Reddy votes because of what he perceived as vindictive politics, aiming to unite all those opposed to Jagan Reddy. Pawan Kalyan predicted that the YSR Congress government would only last for six months and warned that individuals involved in illegal activities such as sand mining would face consequences once their government assumed power in the state.
Kishan Concludes Hunger Strike, Vows to Persist in the Fight for the Unemployed:
Telangana BJP President and Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy concluded his 24-hour hunger strike on Thursday morning, expressing his commitment to continue advocating for the demands of the unemployed population in the state. They are calling for the filling of government job vacancies and the provision of unemployment allowances.
Kishan Reddy initiated his fast at Dharna Chowk in Indira Park on Wednesday morning but was taken into police custody from the protest site. He was subsequently relocated to the BJP office, where he continued his protest after having a glass of lemon juice offered by Prakash Javadekar, the Telangana election in-charge for the party.
Kishan Reddy affirmed that the BJP would persist in its efforts to support the unemployed individuals and those who were victimized by the government’s mismanagement of recruitment examinations. There have been 17 such incidents with question papers leaked in all of them.
Kishan Concludes Hunger Strike, Vows to Persist in the Fight for the Unemployed
Prakash Javadekar mentioned that the BRS government appeared apprehensive about the widespread support Kishan Reddy’s protest was gaining. As around 10,000 youths were expected to join him at Indira Park for the night, the government forcibly removed him from the location. Javadekar emphasized that this was just the beginning, and KCR’s government was already showing signs of instability. He predicted that the BJP would come to power in Telangana in the future.
Huzurabad MLA Etala Rajendar called upon the government to sincerely address the issue by filling all vacant positions in the state. He criticized the KCR government’s intolerance towards protests, as evidenced by the forceful removal of Kishan Reddy from Dharna Chowk.
Signatures of Naidu Detected in 13 Locations on Skill Development Scam Documents:
N. Sanjay, the Additional Director General at AP CID, has revealed that the signatures of Telugu Desam chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu have been identified at 13 different locations on documents related to the AP Skill Development Scam.
Furthermore, Naidu’s signature was found on council meeting papers approving the Skill Development Corporation’s budget without obtaining cabinet approval, leading to funds being diverted from the corporation. Questions have arisen regarding the appointment of Ganta Subba Rao, a private individual, to this position, according to the additional DG.
Speaking to the media, Sanjay, who heads the CID, stated that Naidu was remanded by the ACB court after examining all the evidence in the Inner Ring Road case, and a PT warrant was issued against him.
Sanjay remarked, “We have presented all the evidence to demonstrate that authorities were compelled to act outside the norm due to pressure from higher authorities. Note files pertaining to the government orders were also destroyed. The former finance secretary, P.V. Ramesh, had previously stated that funds were released solely based on Naidu’s word and the then Chief Secretary.”
The CID chief stated that K. Atchannaidu, the TD state president, had his signature identified at five locations in the skill development scam. Notices were sent to Naidu’s PS, Srinivas, but received no response.
Sanjay explained that the AP Skill Development Corporation was established without the cabinet’s permission, and its responsibilities were entrusted to Ganta Subba Rao, violating established protocols.
“Subba Rao’s appointment was made to establish direct contact with Chandrababu. Naidu’s handwritten statements and signatures appeared at 13 locations in the Skill Development Corporation documents. Naidu’s signature was also present on budget approvals and council meetings, and there was no MOU with Siemens to establish skill centers in AP. Everything was done with the intent to divert funds.”
Sanjay stated that after Naidu’s remand in the skill development scam, some are spreading false information that the arrest and remand were illegal. He clarified that funds were diverted through the hawala route, with money channeled through Siemens and Design Tech firms, all at Naidu’s instigation.
He also noted that Ganta Subba Rao was assigned three key positions. The CID ADG stated that there was evidence to prove that Chandrababu signed the order to release funds. In addition to his signature on the appointment of a chartered accountant, Naidu signed the appointment of the deputy CEO Aparna, and he also signed the minutes of the cabinet meeting.
Signatures of Naidu Detected in 13 Locations on Skill Development Scam Documents
Sanjay pointed out that although the GO related to the agreement mentioned a “90:10 percent” ratio, there was no such reference in the actual agreement, indicating malicious intent.
The CID chief stated that the agreement was formulated by bypassing the GO, a fact revealed by Siemens themselves in a statement to the magistrate. He also mentioned that only ₹58 crore was received by Siemens out of the ₹371 crore released, with ₹241 crore being sent directly to shell companies.
He emphasized that the ₹371 crore was diverted without establishing the six skill development clusters as intended.
“The authorities documented in the file that they could not release the funds,” Sanjay added.
Sanjay further disclosed that Design Tech MD Vikas Kanvilkar had been previously arrested by the ED, which also attached assets worth ₹32 crore. Siemens sent an email to the CID stating that they did not invest money, and MD Suman Bose colluded with the shell companies, as revealed in the Siemens investigation.
Kishan Reddy Arrested During 24-Hour Hunger Strike Protesting BRS:
Telangana police arrested Union Minister and State BJP President G. Kishan Reddy on Wednesday evening during his 24-hour hunger strike at Dharna Chowk near Indira Park. His hunger strike aimed to protest against the alleged failures of the BRS government in fulfilling promises to the unemployed.
Kishan Reddy commenced his fast at 11 a.m. but was detained by the police around 8 p.m., as the permission for the protest was only granted until 6 p.m. Amid confrontations between a large contingent of police officers and BJP supporters, Reddy was physically removed from the location and transported to the BJP state headquarters in Nampally, where he continued his protest.
During his arrest, the leader experienced a fainting spell, causing concern among BJP supporters and the police. Upon his arrival at the party office, he underwent a medical examination. The doctors found that Kishan Reddy had sustained a significant impact on his chest and had scratches on his body from the handling during his arrest. They recommended a chest X-ray, but Kishan Reddy insisted on continuing his 24-hour hunger strike against the BRS government.
Several senior BJP leaders, including the party’s National General Secretary Tarun Chugh, strongly condemned Kishan Reddy’s arrest, suggesting that Chief Minister KCR resorted to excessive police force out of frustration.
Other prominent BJP figures, such as Bandi Sanjay Kumar, the National Vice-President D.K. Aruna, and Chief Spokesperson N.V. Subhash, also expressed their condemnation of the arrest. Many party leaders joined Kishan Reddy at the party office late at night to show solidarity with his protest.
Earlier in the day at Indira Park, the Leader declared the BJP’s commitment to securing justice for the unemployed in the state. He criticized Chief Minister KCR for failing to fulfill his promises of providing monthly unemployment allowances and canceling the Group I exam, which affected 35 lakh youth.
Kishan Reddy expressed empathy for the dire situation of the unemployed in Telangana, emphasizing that the protest was in solidarity with their struggle over the past nine years under the KCR government.
He accused Chief Minister KCR of betraying the youth who had invested their resources, time, and efforts to prepare for exams, mortgaging family gold and going without food. Kishan Reddy also questioned the unfulfilled promise of a ₹3,016 unemployment allowance.
Kishan Reddy and other BJP leaders emphasized that the BJP was the party that could provide employment opportunities and jobs for the youth of Telangana. They criticized KCR for exploiting the unemployed during the statehood movement and then neglecting them.
Kishan Reddy Arrested During 24-Hour Hunger Strike Protesting BRS
They also pointed out the rising unemployment rate in Telangana from 2.4% in 2014 to 9.3% today. The BJP leaders asserted that a BJP government under PM Modi’s leadership and Kishan Reddy’s guidance would address these issues.
In conclusion, they called for an end to KCR’s rule and the need to address the challenges faced by those who have been age-barred from recruitment due to the failures of the BRS government.
Revanth Assures Tenant Farmers: ‘We Stand with You:
TPCC chief A. Revanth Reddy criticized the government on Wednesday, accusing it of neglecting tenant farmers and assuring them of support should the Congress come to power at the state level.
He expressed his concern about tenant farmers being denied crop loans, input subsidies, compensation for crop loss, and Rythu Bandhu benefits, leading to significant hardships and mental stress among them. Political Leader noted that there are 22 lakh tenant farmers working on 40% of the land, yet the government appears to disregard their plight.
Highlighting a disturbing statistic, he pointed out that 80% of those who take their own lives are tenant farmers. Chief Minister KCR’s statement in the Assembly, where he refused to classify them as farmers, was also criticized by the leader.
Revanth lamented the absence of a coherent plan and government indifference, which has negatively impacted agriculture and crop diversity in the state. He referred to the Farmer’s Declaration, launched in the presence of Rahul Gandhi, as an initiative to address this issue.
Regarding concrete support, Revanth pledged to provide Rs 15,000 per acre as input assistance and Rs 12,000 to farm laborers. He assured that a Congress-led government would ensure better prices for crops and compensation in the event of crop losses due to natural disasters, promising unwavering support during such challenging times.
Revanth Assures Tenant Farmers: ‘We Stand with You
Revanth highlighted Congress’s historical support for farmers, citing initiatives such as the free power scheme, legislation to empower tenant farmers, subsidized loans, crop insurance, minimum support prices (MSP), and other seed and input subsidies.
He conveyed the commitment of the entire Congress party, from grassroots workers to leadership, to implement the Warangal Declaration fully. In conclusion, Revanth urged tenant farmers not to lose hope and to stand alongside the Congress.
CM Jagan to Launch Aarogya Suraksha in AP on Sept 30:
“Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy conducted a review meeting on Wednesday regarding the Jaganana Aarogya Suraksha program. During the meeting, he instructed officials to launch the program on September 30, similar to the Jagananna Suraksha initiative, with a focus on visiting every household to help residents address their health issues. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of organizing health camps on designated days and addressing health concerns in all households as part of the program.
He announced that the Jagananna Aarogya Suraksha program would commence on September 30 across the state, and he urged officials to ensure its success, much like the Jagananna Suraksha program. In a virtual review meeting about the YSR Aarogyasri program, the Chief Minister informed district collectors that the program would run for 45 days in four phases. The fifth phase would involve continuous support for chronic patients through family doctors and village clinics to ensure ongoing treatment.
Additionally, the Chief Minister unveiled a brochure titled ‘How to Access Free Medical Treatment under ‘YSR Aarogyasri,’ published by the Aarogyasri Health Care Trust. He outlined the phases of the program, including the involvement of volunteers, community workers, and health workers in identifying health issues, creating awareness about the Aarogyasri App, and organizing health camps. Throughout the process, family doctors and village clinics would play a pivotal role. The first phase was scheduled to begin on September 15, with the first health camp in all areas taking place on September 30.
The Jagananna Aarogya Suraksha program aims to provide periodic diagnosis, consultation, and medication supply to patients, particularly those with chronic conditions. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of organizing general health and eye camps in each village and ward. After conducting diagnostic tests, residents would be advised on treatment methods and provided with free medicines and eyeglasses by family doctors.
The goal was to identify individuals with chronic illnesses, as well as those with high blood pressure, diabetes, anemia, pregnant and lactating women, dialysis, and paralysis patients, along with neonatal cases, in every village and ward. The fifth phase would involve counseling patients and directing them to Aarogyasri hospitals for necessary treatment.
CM Jagan to Launch Aarogya Suraksha in AP on Sept 30
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for monthly health camps in at least four villages in every mandal to ensure coverage across all villages every six months. The meeting was attended by several officials, including the Health Minister, Chief Secretary, and other department heads.” Please note that this is a paraphrased version of the text, and some details may have been condensed or reformulated for brevity and clarity.
Industries Minister K T Rama Rao (KTR) expressed the state government’s commitment to supporting the industrial sector by offering favorable facilities. He highlighted that numerous companies and industries have shown interest in establishing their operations in Hyderabad. K T Rama Rao inaugurated the Hyderabad Innovation Center of INSPIRE at Phoenix Centaurus in the Financial District of Hyderabad.
During the event, he welcomed INSPIRE to Telangana and Hyderabad, emphasizing the state’s pleasure in hosting the global culinary powerhouse. The center, known as the “Hyderabad Innovation Center,” is part of INSPIRE’s global expansion.
INSPIRE is a prominent global multi-brand restaurant company, boasting a portfolio that includes over 32,000 locations worldwide, encompassing brands like Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, INSPIRE decided to establish its Innovation Center in Hyderabad after discussions with IT and Industries Minister K T Rama Rao during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Summit in Davos in January 2023.
INSPIRE operates a vast network of restaurants globally, employing 650,000 dedicated team members, both company and franchise and generating an impressive US $31 Billion in System sales. The choice of Hyderabad for its Innovation Center reflects the growing potential of Telangana as a hub for innovation and digital transformation.
KTR Unveils INSPIRE Center in the City
During (KTR) K T Rama Rao’s visit to Davos in January 2023, INSPIRE brands management announced plans to establish its Support Centre in Hyderabad. This center will provide support across four key areas: IT Infrastructure and Development Operations, Restaurant Tech, Digital Tech, and Enterprise Data. The decision was made following a virtual meeting between INSPIRE and K T Rama Rao.
